Israel and the United States launch an air campaign against Iran
Image: Folha de S.Paulo

Israel and the United States launch an air campaign against Iran

11 March, 2026.Iran.1 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Bombardments by the United States and Israel against Iran continue.
  • Iran launched attacks on Kurdish groups in Iraq, including a deadly ballistic strike.
  • Speculation grows that Iranian Kurdish fighters may cross the border to join fighting.

US-Israel Iran Campaign

This ongoing bombardment has prompted speculation about potential escalation in the region.

Image from Folha de S.Paulo
Folha de S.PauloFolha de S.Paulo

Iran has responded by attacking several Kurdish groups in retaliation.

A ballistic missile attack by Iran resulted in the death of one fighter.

The situation creates uncertainty about Kurdish involvement in the conflict.

Trump's Shifting Position

Donald Trump has shown inconsistent positions on Kurdish involvement in the Iran conflict.

Initially, Trump told Reuters on March 5 that he supported a Kurdish offensive.

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Folha de S.PauloFolha de S.Paulo

He stated it would be 'wonderful if they want to do this' regarding Kurdish action against Iran.

However, Trump reversed his position days later in a Saturday press conference.

He declared that the US 'does not want to make the war more complex than it already is'.

Trump explicitly stated 'we do not want Kurdish troops on Iranian soil.'

Kurdish Rebel Operations

They operate from caves and underground tunnels in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region.

The groups intentionally isolate themselves from multiple threats.

These include Iranian intelligence, Shia allies in Iraq, and Turkish forces.

The BBC gained rare access to a women-only Kurdish battalion.

The groups maintain secret communications networks while trying to stay undetected.

Kurd Coalition Formation

Main Iranian Kurdish groups in northern Iraq have formed a coalition recently.

This coalition could strengthen their capacity to respond to the US-Israel air campaign.

Image from Folha de S.Paulo
Folha de S.PauloFolha de S.Paulo

Questions have arisen about potential coordination with external actors.

Speculation suggests Trump may have had direct contact with Kurdish leaders.

These contacts reportedly involved requests for Kurdish involvement against Iran.

The coalition formation timing coincides with the US-Israel air campaign escalation.

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